Genomic insights into the complex demographic history and inbreeding phenomena during Zhou Dynasty on the Central Plains of China.

In the Central Plains of China during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE), the social hierarchy gradually solidified, accompanied by frequent wars and the phenomena of multicultural and multi-ethnic integration. These social phenomena collectively influenced the population's genetic structure at that time. However, our understanding of the genetic history of this period remains largely unknown owing to limited ancient DNA studies.